Synthesis and characterization of bismuth oxide/commercial activated carbon composite for battery anode

Abstract

Abstract Bismuth oxide has been considered as a promising electrode material due to the high theoretical capacity, low cost, and non-toxic nature. However, its application has been limited by the low electrical conductivity. In this work, bismuth oxide/commercial activated carbon composite were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate with concentrations of 8, 24, and 32 mmol were mixed with Na2SO4, NaOH, and commercial activated carbon. The mixture was then put into a hydrothermal reactor and heated at 110°C for 5 h. These composite materials can have a 102–105 higher electrical conductivity, depending on the bismuth oxide ratio, compared to both bismuth oxide and commercial AC separately.